Research
Research programs and platforms
We bring together world-leading research capability and people to galvanise novel solutions for the enormous mental health challenges facing our modern world.
Across our three overarching themes – Developing Well, Living Well, and Ageing Well – we are working side-by-side with our communities to build resilient, healthy brains early in life and to develop tools to promote healthy lifestyles and maintain brain health as we age.
Our research is supported by world-class research platforms.
Developing Well
We’re the first in the world to have developed novel interactive technologies designed for young children to train and strengthen cognitive capacity. We’re also expanding into interventions geared towards improving social and emotional wellbeing.
Living Well
We’re finding novel and exciting new ways of maintaining optimal mental health as the brain faces new triggers and stressors as it moves from adolescence into adulthood.
Ageing Well
Maintaining brain health in our older population so they can continue to thrive within their communities is one of the most pressing challenges of the twenty-first century. We aim to be part of the solution.
Our Research Programs
Addiction and Mental Health
We are working to understand fundamental brain processes that underpin addiction and compulsive disorders. We then translate our findings into treatments that actually work, are cost-effective, and accessible.
Ageing and Neurodegeneration
We are fostering the potential for older people and those with neurodegenerative conditions to maximise brain and body health, and the capacity to live well.
Brain Injury and Rehabilitation
Our research investigates the effectiveness of programs for individuals with brain injury or other injury sustained as a result of trauma.
Brain Mapping and Modelling
We’re developing mathematical models of different aspects of brain structure, function and behaviour, as well as advanced analytic methods for brain imaging and other behavioural data.
Neurodevelopment
We’re investigating the mechanisms associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and using this information to develop new help to enable thousands of Australian children to reach their full potential.
Sleep and Circadian Rhythms
We’re investigating the role of the internal biological clock in sleep, sleep disorders, and a person's ability to adapt to unusual sleep patterns, such as shift work. We’re also looking at the effect of sleep on mood, memory and cognition.